Talking heads: David Kneale

Position: Managing director

Company: Group 4 Security


What makes your day at work?


I am constantly looking for the next big deal to introduce to my company. I love sharing my vision with people and getting them to help me make it happen. My management style involves a great deal of interaction with people and I get a great deal of satisfaction being involved with others. I like to have fun at work and try to ensure the environment is right so everyone else can too.

When did you first become a manager?


I consider my promotion to captain of my Canadian little league hockey team at the age of seven my first job as a manager. Inspiring, leading, coaching and delegating are all elements of successful management and they apply equally at little league hockey level as they do in business.

What has been your best moment in business?


I really have to say there have been two special events.

The first was when I saw the opportunity to create the company Living Earth while contracting to the Auckland Regional Council on another project. They let me run with the idea and today the company is a great success. It's not often you get the chance to make a major positive impact on the environment.

The second is when we introduced our cashlogistics armoured car service nationally. From a blank sheet of paper we have constructed the leading cash-carrying service in the country.

What were the most important lessons you learned on your way up?


First, it is to surround myself with technically excellent people that have great attitudes. Then, I think acquiring the widest range of experiences and education possible, enabling me to be a generalist manager capable of looking at opportunities and situations from a broad base.

How have you dealt with the pitfalls in your career?


I am really so fortunate that I haven't had any significant pitfalls. I maintain a positive attitude and try to influence those around me to do likewise. Having confidence in my own abilities is a major factor in avoiding pitfalls.

What annoys you most?


Being told that something can't be done. I believe we all have the ability to influence the outcomes of most situations and, if we truly want to, can achieve any goal we set for ourselves.

If you were starting over again, what would you do?


I would have loved the chance to be the director of marketing for Harley-Davidson. I love the brand integrity almost as much as I love riding my own bike. And what other brand do people want tattooed on their arm?

What management wisdom is most overrated?


I am constantly surprised that in New Zealand, senior management is seen as past their use-by date in their mid-forties whereas in Australia it is mid-fifties and in the US you don't get started until the mid-fifties. I always ask myself if we have got it right looking at the comparative success of the three economies.

What will be the big business issue of the next decade?

E-commerce is a concept taking hold and will dramatically affect the way we communicate and do business. This will change the nature of many positions, eliminating some and creating many new ones. The challenge will be for our educational institutions to work with business to develop courses tailored to tomorrow's economy.

How do you relax?


I have run 59 marathons so training plays a big part in helping me relax. When I'm not running I am probably riding my Harley-Davidson.

* David Kneale talked to Daniel Riordan.